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AURA is an all-volunteer grassroots urbanist organization focused on building an Austin for everyone by improving land use and transportation through policy analysis, public involvement, and political engagement.

We are dedicated to a vision of an Austin where everybody is welcome and everybody’s interests matter: young and old, rich and poor, renter and homeowner, healthy and sick, citizen and immigrant, lifelong resident and new arrival. The greatest asset our city has is its people, and our city is at its best when it facilitates connections between all.

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Land Use, Housing, and Affordability

Austin is a popular place. Thousands of people move here every month from across Texas, the country, and the world. Some move here for Austin’s famous culture, some move here for our vibrant economy, and some for the city’s beauty. Still others stay here, or return home, due to their family roots and rich history. As long as there are people who want to make Austin their home, for whatever reason, we strive to provide enough homes for all of them. To do this, we need abundant housing of all types, from smaller apartment buildings and garage apartments in established neighborhoods to downtown skyscrapers to single-family housing.

Transportation and Walkability

Austin’s not full, but the roads that lead to it are. To solve that we need a transportation system where people can get from A to B without a car. That means adding more buses, bike lanes, side-walks, and high-capacity transit like urban rail and rapid buses.

Blog

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Support housing and transit — Vote Mike Siegel for Austin’s District 7 Runoff!

Mike Siegel is committed to tackling affordability and making Austin a city where all our essential workers – nurses, teachers, electricians, and more – can live and thrive. Mike knows Austin can do more to keep housing costs manageable, support deeply affordable housing, and ensure land use reforms create opportunities for everyone. Plus, he’s a …

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AURA’s City Council Voter Guide 2024

This guide provides a clear overview of AURA’s endorsed candidates for Austin’s City Council elections. AURA is a grassroots, all-volunteer organization dedicated to solving Austin’s housing crisis by promoting diverse, abundant housing and accessible transit for all. Position AURA’s Choice Mayor of Austin Kirk Watson Austin City Council, District 2 Vanessa Fuentes Austin City Council, …

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